Services & Obituaries

REID, Maysie

In loving memory of Maysie Reid, who passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 9^th, 2021, in her 103^rd year. Maysie lived her life with purpose, zest, and a sense of adventure. She had an amazing ability to tackle life head on, and never seemed to slow down. Dear mother of Leslie Ann (Reid) Fitchett and Susan Reid. Loving grandmother of Karen, Jane (Jim), Jen (Wally), and Amy. Dear grandmother-in-law to Chris. Maysie was active in the lives of her 7 great grandchildren: Zach, Cassidy, Julia, Erin, Tiago, Sophie, and Mateo. She is predeceased by her husband Les (1976) and her brothers, Charles and Bob.

Maysie was born in Toronto and lived in Peterborough for much of her married life, where she was involved in church activities, curling and the IODE. In 1968, she moved to London to be closer to family, and became an active member of Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church and was a valued member of the Classified Ad team at the London Free Press until her retirement in 1983. 

Maysie has been cremated and will be buried in Peterborough with her husband, Les. A memorial service will be hosted by Reverend Dr. Andrew Fullerton at Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, in London at a future date. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Maysie may donate to Elmwood Avenue Presbyterian Church, in lieu of flowers. 

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation for the excellent care and attention received by Maysie at Extendicare Nursing Home here in London.

Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com   

BEITANS, Arvids….

Peacefully at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario, Arvids Beitans passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 in his 98th year. Beloved husband of the late Erika Beitans. Loving father of Dace Smits and her late husband Edgars of Latvia, Inta Kusmanis and her husband Peteris of Toronto, Jan Beitans and his wife Brandy Shaw of Lucan and Martins Beitans of Granton. Cherished grandfather of Martins and Ieva Smits of Latvia, Talis Smits and his wife Katrina Balcere-Smite, Ansitis Smits who passed away in early childhood, Anneli (Kusmanis) and her husband Eriks Lusis of Kalamazoo Michigan, and cherished great-grandfather of Lilija and Anna Lusis, also of Kalamazoo. Dear brother of Ilga Vanags and her husband Arturs of Latvia. Predeceased by his sister Nelija Rozite and brothers Karlis and Ojars, all of Latvia. Arvids is also survived by his nieces and nephews, and their children, in Latvia and the European Union, as well as other relatives in Canada, USA and Australia. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family interment will take place at Woodland Cemetery, London. Donations in Arvids’ memory may be made to a charity of your choosing. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

LUPTON, Marie Megan (Dollimore)…

Passed away peacefully at Huronlea Home for the Aged on Monday January 4, 2021 in her 94th year, and formerly of Huntsville.

Cherished mother of Pamela McClary (Mike Febbraio) of Wasaga Beach; Craig Dollimore (Sharon) of London; Eric Dollimore (Hayley) of London; Brian Dollimore of Markham; Elliot Dollimore (Tracey) of Oakville; and Regan Dollimore of Calgary.

Dear grandmother of Carol McClary (Aaron Bolarinho) of Toronto; Sean Dollimore (Meghan) of London; Emma Cadotte (Josh) of London.

Loving sister of Muriel Hall (aged 102) of Bradford. Predeceased by her sisters Pat Johnson of Maple, Marjorie Steel of Toronto. They were the daughters of the late John “Jack” & Emily Hall of Ravenscliffe, then of Huntsville and related to the May’s. Predeceased by her 2 husbands: Ernie Dollimore and George Lupton of Dwight.

Marie will also be missed by her many nieces and nephews: Roger Steele, Maureen & Ken Blakelock; Richard & Lynn Johnson; Helen Johnson, Ruth & Dave Griepsma, and all of their children.

Marie loved to walk all around Huntsville, enjoyed music, played the piano, loved to travel and was very curious which caused her to read many books from the Library on a huge variety of subjects. She was also in the Choir and a volunteer at All Saints Anglican Church and played the organ at times.

Donations in Marie’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society.

A private service will take place at A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

BRYS, Viviane….

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Viviane Adrienne Brys announces her sudden passing, on Friday, January 1, 2021 at the age of 67. Born in Belgium to the late Felix and late Gabrielle Van Roie, later moving to London, Ontario as a young child. Viviane will be forever remembered by her husband Colin Tarr, by her sons Blair Brys (Marina), and Ceri Tarr (Ashley), and by her daughter Rhiannon Poole (Keith). Viviane was a loving and proud Nana to Arianna, Natalie, and Chloe. Viviane will be dearly missed by siblings, extended family, and her many friends.

Viviane was a kind soul who loved spending time with her family and friends. She always looked forward to vacationing in Florida with Colin and meeting up with his brother Tony and wife Anne, from Wales. When Viviane wasn’t knitting or spending time with family, she was out with friends at various events.

A private family ceremony will take place with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks to consider donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460, STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 in memory of Viviane. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

ALLEN, Mathew Charles…

It is with profound sadness that the family of Mathew Charles Allen announce his passing at home on December 31^st, 2020.

Mathew was born on May 24^th, 1953 in London, Ontario to predeceased parents Margaret Ruth Allen (Dunthorne) and William Jackson Allen. Also, predeceased was his brother Lance Allen, and father-in-law Thomas Watton. Matt is survived by his mother-in-law Violet Watton and stepmother Shirley Allen.

Mathew was a loving husband to Diane Elizabeth Allen (Steele) of 47 years. He was a devoted father to children Sean (Alisha), Shannon (Mike) and Stephanie (Ali), and cherished grandfather and great grandfather to Jordon, Jayden, Jeremy, Denver, Bryson, Tyrone, Natasha, Donovan, Kamran, Landon, Ethan and Jalexa.

Mat will be forever remembered by his brothers and sisters Bill (Pauline), Darrell, Barbara, Robert (Terry), Derrick (Bev), Jamie, Connie, Nancy (Wayne), Lana, Meg (Scott), Gail (Bruce), Roy (Jannette), Jane, Debbie, Jackie (Levi), Mike (Leslie) and Leslie.

Mat will also be missed by extended family Mike (Colleen), Randy (Linda), Holly (Jim) and Robin (Kim), and many nieces and nephews, friends and co-workers.

Mat worked at a young age for Lapwiches Meat Market where he learned the butcher trade. Later he became a Meat Manager at Food City. He then worked at Cami and the Thames Valley School Board where he retired from Saunders S.S. and later volunteered. In retirement he worked part-time for London Auto Parts.

Mat’s generous nature, humour and witty personality will be missed in his absence. Family and friends say he couldn’t resist telling one more story and even had himself laughing before he finished. Throughout his time on earth he touched many lives. In his eyes everyone was equal and worth getting to know. He personalized each encounter and left people smiling with his puns or friendly demeanor. 

A little light was taken on earth with his passing and replaced in the sky with a star. 

Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will follow in 2021. Memorial Donations may be made to a children’s charity of your choice in his honour. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CRIBBIN, Marion Beatrice (nee Turner)….

 1935-2020

In the morning, on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, surrounded by love, we said goodbye to our sweet Mum, Marion Beatrice Cribbin. Certain in her faith that eternal life awaits her, she took comfort that she will be reunited with her dear husband Bill (Patrick George William Cribbin 1934-2009) in heaven.

Beloved family gone before her are her sister Eleni Patricia Dassoudis & her brothers Ken Turner and Edward Turner. Marion will be eternally loved and remembered by her brother Jim Turner (Mary) of Sarnia. As her children, Shelley Cribbin, Michael Cribbin (Lek), Paula Cribbin (Peter) and, Dorothy Macdonald (Ian) , we have been beyond blessed to have her love and kindness to guide us. Marion was so happy to be Nana to Jordan Cribbin, Jerrie Cribbin (Justin), Patrick Macdonald (Jena) and Abbey Macdonald (Sean) and to Fern Kemawanit (Ahm) and Ked (Jing) Kemawanit. She was always delighted to see photos and videos of her great granddaughters, Olivia Macdonald (Patrick & Jena) and Magic (Ked & Jing). Her sisters-in-law, Sandy Cribbin & Lorraine Cribbin (both of Burlington), and her brother-in-law, El Dassoudis, (Delta B.C.), her cousins and extended family were all very dear to her.  “Aunt Marion” to her nieces and nephews, she made her home a welcoming place.

Born in Sarnia, she relocated to London’s Old South with Bill and her young family. She made many friends through the CWL at St. Martins of Tours, the Arthritis Society, the London Jazz Club, Ford Talbotville retirees’ group, and at the Dearness Home. Each and every person she met deserved her time and attention. “There’s good in everyone” she would say. Kind and easy to talk to, a joyful and generous spirit, her gentle perspective was always hopeful. Friends who were like family, Jill, Margaret, & Lorraine and her Bellevue neighbours, will forever cherish the memories they shared.

Our sincere gratitude goes out to the staff and volunteers of Dearness Home whose dedication is above and beyond. We will always be thankful for the beautiful souls on 4 West who cared for Mum. They were so very good to her – she loved them all.  In her last days they shone, providing care for her with compassion and dignity. Their familiar faces and kind attention comforted her greatly.

A celebration of life for Mum will be announced when we can gather safely together again. Cremation has taken place and a private interment will follow. Donations in her memory, in lieu of flowers, can be made to Children’s Hospital Charities or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of your region and are warmly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

God Bless and Happy days

RICE, Sally Ruth (nee Lancaster)….

It is with heavy hearts that our family announces the peaceful passing of Sally on Sunday, December 27, 2020. Missed and loved dearly by her daughter Louise Short (Pete) and son Stephen Rice (Robyn). Predeceased by her son Robert Rice, who she adored. Beloved wife of the late Wallace Rice. Sally will always be in the hearts of her grandchildren, Brandon, Sarah, Allyson, Heather, Trevor and Andrea. Dear sister of Joseph Lancaster. Predeceased by her sisters Nita Lancaster, Joan Gamble and brother Bill Lancaster. She will be greatly missed by many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. If over the years you called Bell Canada or St. Joseph’s Hospital and received a wonderful caring voice at the other end, you were probably speaking to Sally as she spent all of her working years as a switchboard operator with both of these companies. Sally will be remembered by all of those who knew her as a loving, kind, thoughtful, funny, beautiful and graceful woman. A celebration of life is planned for 2021. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CLUNEY, Terrence J. “Terry”….

With great sadness the family of Terrence James Cluney announce his passing on Sunday, December 27, 2020 in his 91st year. Beloved husband of the late Joanne Cluney and the late Barbara Jean Cluney. Loving father of the late Michael Cluney, Rhonda Slade and her partner Gene of Dorchester and step-father of the late Gayle Moreash, Sheila Doan and her husband Brian of Komoka and the late Randy Strapp and his wife Kerry of London. Also missed by his grandchildren Brandon Davidson (Danielle), Sasha Davidson, Tara Slade, Paula Slade (Andrew), Emma Cartwright, Adam Moreash (Kyleen), and Nicholas Doan (Victoria) and great-grandchildren Tyler, Damien, Lily, Carter, Chloe, Joshua and McKenzie. Predeceased by his brother Donald Cluney, sister Kathleen Harber, his granddaughter-in-law Danielle Davidson and son-in-law Gary Slade .

A depression baby, born January 5, 1930 in Galt (now a part of Cambridge, Ontario) in a small cottage and resided there until adulthood. Born to Lily Cluney (nee Barnett) and Mathew John Cluney. Terry completed Elementary and Secondary Education in Galt and shortly after moved to attend Waterloo College and Stratford Teachers College. He served 1 year at a 2-room country school, S.S. #18 N. Dumfries Town. School. He was next hired as Principle for Ayr Public School, a very pleasant experience with the students, parents and the Board. After several years in Ayr, he was hired by London Board to teach the new Vocational Program at Thames Secondary School where he taught his mastered skill in masonry. While at Thames he had the opportunity to teach for 2 years for the Can Govt. under the C.I.D.A. plan overseas in the West Indies in St. Lucia, an amazing family adventure and treasured experience.

Terry held many interests throughout his life, particularly sports such as hockey and played for the Galt Black Hawks, he spent much time in the north country, fishing, canoeing, and building a very attractive comfortable summer camp (cottage) near Gogama, about 1 hour south of Timmins.

Terry was a member of Nilestown Masonic Lodge No. 345 A.F. & A.M. where he served the lodge for many years. He was also a member of the Mocha Shrine and the Shriners Temple Band.

Terry enjoyed spending time with his family, most importantly special gatherings such as birthdays and holidays. He took pride in providing early swimming lessons for his grandchildren around the pool at his daughter Rhonda’s home.

A memorial service will take place when it is safe for family and friends to gather and celebrate Terry’s life. Cremation has taken place. Interment at Erb Street Mennonite Cemetery, Waterloo. Donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Canada, 800-2323 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON, M4P 1C9. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

CARSWELL, Barbara Susan

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Barbara Susan Carswell (Campbell) on Christmas morning, 2020 at her home in London, Ontario. Barbara fought a courageous battle with cancer and, in the end, was comfortable, peaceful and beautiful.

Barbara grew up in Toronto and was a graduate of Ontario Teachers’ College. Barbara was working as a kindergarten teacher when she met the love of her life, Bill. Bill and Barbara married in 1969. They began their married life and family in Edmonton, Alberta where Barbara still has many close friends. Barbara and Bill returned to London in 1978 and started their own businesses. Until their retirement they worked side by side in Carswell Partners Inc with Barbara’s finance, accounting and administrative skills being instrumental to the success of the business. Bill and Barbara sold Carswell Partners in 2013 and spent many happy hours with good friends in London, at their cottage at Sturgeon Lake and travelling. Barbara was active with the Foundation at her church, Saint James Westminster Anglican Church and The Prevention and Early Intervention Program for Psychoses (PEPP) at LHSC. She enjoyed her book club friends, quilting, sewing and was a wonderful cook with an infectious laugh, beautiful smile and calm demeanour.

She is survived by her loving husband, constant companion and business partner, Bill and her so dearly loved son, Ryan Campbell Carswell. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Kelly Jean Carswell in 2001 and her beloved parents, Norma and George Campbell. Barbara was the beloved sister to Donald (Susan) Campbell and Colin (Kathleen) Campbell, and caring, loving aunt to Amy Campbell, Cait Allen(Jordan) and Colin James (Lina), Graeme (Sarah) and Alex (Jen) Campbell. Barbara was the dearly loved daughter-in-law to Margaret Jean and Allan Carswell (predeceased), dearly loved sister-in-law to Nancy Willoughby (Ron) and dearly loved aunt to Thomas (Tina) and Neil Willoughby. Barbara also loved her many great nieces and nephews.

Because of the present pandemic a small funeral service will be conducted at Saint James Westminster Anglican Church, London, Ontario with Rector Keith Nethery officiating at a date to be determined with Interment at Mount Pleasant Cemetery alongside family. As an expression of sympathy and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated by the Children’s Health Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or PEPP via the LHSC Foundation. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com

MOODY, Douglas Ernest…

Passed away on December 24, 2020 at the age of 90 at the Village of Glendale Crossing, London after a long and difficult health struggle. He was predeceased by beloved wife Marilyn Jewell (nee Davidson) 1988. Dear father of David William (Janet) of London, Janice Colleen Duffy of Cambridge and Douglas Jeffrey of London. Loving grandfather of Erin Moody-Jones (Kolin), Alicia Cornford (Michael), Thomas Craig, Abigail Craig and Jessica Moody and great grandfather of Liam, Sarah and Adele Jones and Sydney Cornford.

Doug is also survived by brother William Ernest (London) and sister-in-law Colleen Davis (Sicklerville, New Jersey), and many nieces and nephews who always enjoyed his company. He was predeceased by his brother Robert William (1953).

Doug enjoyed a career as a successful salesman, oil company rep (Supertest) and entrepreneur service station owner B/A, Gulf and Sunoco, all in London. He was also a talented auto mechanic. After retirement  he took an avid interest in woodworking specializing in wooden children’s toys. His many finely crafted “Toymaker Doug” creations were sold at numerous area craft sales with the assistance of long time friend Moira Philp.

Doug’s favourite place, without a doubt, was the family cottage on Skeleton Lake, Muskoka. Summers were enjoyed there from toddler days though adulthood. He was happy to teach and share his passion for the lake, swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, scuba diving etc. with his children and grandchildren who carry on this legacy.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no traditional funeral gathering. Private burial will take place at Woodland Cemetery on Wednesday, December 30, 2020. A celebration of life gathering will be planned for Doug in the future, post COVID-19 restrictions, when it is safe to gather. Arrangements entrusted to A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com